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We actually shot “Douchebag” in two separate sessions over the course of a year and a half. The first time we went out we had a very specific outline from which the actors improvised from and the second time we had a loose script with lines actually written.

The first scene in the film for instance where Sam is laying in bed with Steph was mostly written and shot during the second session when we knew exactly how to set up the film. A lot of the rambling lecture scenes — like the scene on the beach about kites, the credit card fiscal responsibility scene, and the scene about our hands not being designed to tear flesh — were all shot the first time out when we had more character than story.

It wasn’t until after editing the first session’s material that I knew the exact pieces we needed to finish the story. The filmmaking process was very exciting and challenging for me but also very creatively freeing because I could keep writing and coming up with ideas after I’d shot, the film kept evolving that way and there was always a way to make things better. It’s really the only way I would work now I think. I learned so much. [...]

I’m sitting in my hotel room in Oxford, MS where I’m a juror for the 12th Annual Oxford Film Festival. My trip here marks my fourth one and also, my first as the new editor here at Hammer to Nail. While I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to handle things around here, I’d […][...]

As the film progresses a fairly obvious turn of events transpires. Sam is constantly tested as a man and a soldier and this, coupled with his rising attraction to the forbidden Amira pulls viewers in. [...]